05 December 2008

I've got a slightly longer commute than I used to, and I've been getting slowly addicted to podcasts. I can't stand any radio with commercials or call-ins, and NPR has way too many shows about gardening or forgotten 1930s jazz icons to sustain my interest. Lately I've been listening to and enjoying, in no particular order:

Wait, Wait don't tell me from NPR (they post the mp3 of Saturday's show on Sunday evening, and then replace it)

Science Friday from NPR

Science American podcasts, there is a 60 second science everyday, plus a 22 min. longer bit each week

Are We Alone, radio.seti.org (very interesting and sometimes very funny, the wormhole episode had a skit with Seth Shostak talking to a worm with a German accent, I just discovered them so I am catching up on the 4 years worth of podcasts)

I've lost my interest in Wait, wait, don't tell me. (Sorry, other comment writers.) But hey -- episode #365 of This American Lifefinally helped me get a clue what the big problem is. Thank you Ira Glass.

I subscribed to the TED conference podcasts via iTunes. There are tons of short (about 20 min) talks by experts in various fields. I've liked about 80% of them. A few talks are very visual, but the vast majority work fine just by listening. You can find out about the conference at ted.com. If you like the Skeptics Guide, you might also enjoy Skeptoid.

The Planet Money Podcast, loosely connected w/This american Life's show about the economic crisis. Along w/the blog, it's been very helpful in making sense of all the jargon and pith. Plus, it's always very entertaining!

Audible.com books for the long flights on the interview trail... I just listened to Barack Obama read both of his books which was great, because not only is his writing good but he is an excellent speaker of the written word which made for good listening. Makes the air miles fly by... so to speak.

Shadowfax

About me: I am an ER physician and administrator living in the Pacific Northwest. I live with my wife and four kids. Various other interests include Shorin-ryu karate, general aviation, Irish music, Apple computers, and progressive politics. My kids do their best to ensure that I have little time to pursue these hobbies.

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